North Georgia Gladiators football team looks to find a home in Walton County

A football team for adult football players who are looking to get back in the game is currently seeking ways to make Walton County its home base.

“We will be practicing at Earl ONeal Sports Complex in Conyers but we are currently in talks with a couple of different venues to play in Walton County for our home games,” said Nate Stephens, head coach and co-founder of the developmental football team, North Georgia Gladiators. “The organization was founded in 2009 by myself and my brother, Matt Dyer. We were fortunate enough to win the Deep South Football League Championship in 2010. We have competed for several others since then. The Gladiators have an overall record of 51-28 during that span. We have finished several seasons ranked in the Top 25 Nationally.”

Stephens said the team relocated to the local area after being based in Gainesville/Cumming for 7 years.

“We pride ourselves on being a second chance organization. What that means is that we build our roster with many players that have played college football and washed out for one reason or another. Over the years, we have successfully helped more than 15 players earn opportunities to go back to college and play football,” Stephens said. “In addition, we have helped many more go on to play professionally overseas in European leagues. We compete in the National Developmental Football League, currently.”

According to the NDFL, the North Georgia Gladiators is ranked third for the 2016 season with 2 wins and 4 loses. Stephens said that at the moment the team is in the process of holding tryouts for the upcoming season. Tryouts will be at the Earl ONeal Sports Complex in Conyers. These are planned for Saturday, Oct. 15, beginning at 10 a.m.

“These tryouts are open to anyone wanting to play football. Those interested in playing should bring cleats and wear royal blue shirts and black shorts or sweats,” Stephens said, adding there are also openings for three or four coaches.

There is a $25 registration fee. For more information, players can contact Nate Stephens at 470-258-8675, Coach John Payne at 770-540-7618 or Coach Don Scarbrough at 706-474-9292.